Before midnight.

•22•

[Saturday.]

'So... where are we going?' Perrie awkwardly asked whilst putting her seatbelt on.
'I've got a few bits I have to bring back to a couple of shops in town. I figured out we could have lunch together and just have some good old girly time.'
Perrie chuckled but she was glad Jane was offering a bit of a distraction.
The car journey was short and quiet, which left Perrie astonished and wondering what was the real reason for that trip, as Jane was known for being never too quiet.
After Jane parked the car, the two blondes walked over to a small restaurant the whole family liked. They sat one in front of each other and ordered something to eat.
Their food arrived quickly. 'Jane, I'm regretting not ordering pasta like you did. Can I try some of yours, please?'
'Yes, of course darling.'
Perrie put some pasta in her mouth. 'OMG, it's so good!'
'I'm glad you like it.'
'Right, Jane. What's going on?' Perrie had enough of pretending she didn't understand Jane's intentions.
Jane sighed and smiled. 'There's no hiding from you, eh?'
'Is everything alright?'
'Yes, nothing to worry about sweetheart. It's just... I was helping Wendy with some printing the other day, and...'
Perrie's heart sank into her stomach and she immediately regretted eating that mouthful of pasta. She knew what Jane was about to say.
'... and I saw your name amongst the participants at the show.'
Perrie got very agitated. 'Jane, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie to you and dad. It's just... the girls were all signed on... and Wendy, ehm... Mrs. Chamberlain said...'
Jane smiled and shook her head. 'Perrie, I'm on your side. You don't have to justify yourself. I was thrilled when I saw your name on that list.'
'Oh... I thought... but dad...'
'Dad doesn't know, don't worry. Wendy apologised saying it was her fault. She said she let you use her studio from time to time because she heard you singing and she thinks you've got real talent. You know I've always loved your singing. But why didn't you tell us? You didn't tell me?'
'Because...' Perrie sighed.
'Because?'
'Because of dad. He never approves anything I do. Anything I've ever done. He was already disappointed when I broke up with Christian, then things between us got a lot better when I started to work and my grades improved. I didn't want to ruin things once again.'
'Your dad is so very proud of you. And Jonnie, even if he doesn't admit it. He loves you both so much and just wants the best for you.'
'If so, why can't he be a little more supportive?'
'Because you remind him of your mum so much.'
Perrie looked at Jane almost in shock.
'Your dad loved your mum so much, believe me. Your mum loved singing and performing just like you, and so did your dad actually. But that kind of life, plus two young children, was too much for them to handle and they broke up. I'm not supposed to tell you all these things, so I hope I can trust you. Your dad's scared that you pursuing this career is gonna take you away from him, just like it happened with your mum.'
'I feel really bad now. I never knew any of these things. If only dad would open up a little bit more to us.'
'It's scary to open up and be vulnerable. Especially in front of your kids. Don't be too harsh on him, please.'
'I won't. Now that I know... but singing is all I want to do. It would break my heart if me and dad could never agree on it.'
'Just give him a bit of time.'
Perrie was glad she had that conversation with Jane. She always knew, deep down, that Jane was a great person, but never gave her enough credit for it.
'There's something else I wanted to talk to you about.'
Perrie thought that there couldn't be anything worse that the conversation they just had.
'Wendy also told me she heard Alex on the phone to one of his friends a couple of weeks ago.'
Perrie loudly swallowed the excess of saliva in her mouth. 'And?'
'And she heard him saying that he wants to go to uni and you were helping him studying.'
'Oh, that. Yes... he didn't want anyone to know about his plan.'
'Perrie, darling, what you did was great! Wendy just asked me to thank you so much. Alex finally told his parents he's got three admission tests next week, he's so thrilled. You helped him gain that confidence he was lacking.'
'I'm glad everything turned out well for him. I hope he passes.'
Jane looked at Perrie in a very inquisitive way. 'Is there anything else you want to tell me?'
Perrie rolled her eyes. 'Jane, just ask what you want to ask.'
'Wendy thinks there's something between you and Alex. I told her you're not the type of girl that would do something like that, going out with someone and then going out with their brothers. Tell me I'm right, please.'
Perrie sighed and decided she was too tired of hiding and lying. 'Unfortunately, you're wrong.'
'Oh, Perrie... darling, why?!'
'I don't know, Jane. I really don't know. I feel bad enough about the whole situation, so please don't start. All I can tell you is that I had no idea of what I was doing, it was wrong and when I realised it, I broke up with both of them. I don't want to talk about it any longer.'
'I didn't mean to judge you, I'm sorry if it came across that way. I just don't want you to make silly choices.'
'Thanks, but I think that everything is okay now. I hope...'
'Well, you know that if you ever need to talk, you can trust me.'
'Thank you, I really appreciate it.'
They smiled at each other, then continued eating. 'C'mon now, let's finish our food so we can go and do a bit of shopping. I can help you find something nice to wear for the show.'

[Good morning everyone :) how are you all doing x I'm having a super busy week..
I wanted to update last night but didn't have a chance really, so here it is! I didn't have time to review the chapter so apologies if there's any typos.
Almost at the end... two more chapters to go!
Let me know what you think ;)
Peace and love and keep safe everyone xxx]